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Denham NC, Pearman CM, Caldwell JL, Madders GWP, Eisner DA, Trafford AW, Dibb KM. Calcium in the Pathophysiology of Atrial Fibrillation and Heart Failure. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1380. [PMID: 30337881 PMCID: PMC6180171 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is commonly associated with heart failure. A bidirectional relationship exists between the two-AF exacerbates heart failure causing a significant increase in heart failure symptoms, admissions to hospital and cardiovascular death, while pathological remodeling of the atria as a result of heart failure increases the risk of AF. A comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of AF is essential if we are to break this vicious circle. In this review, the latest evidence will be presented showing a fundamental role for calcium in both the induction and maintenance of AF. After outlining atrial electrophysiology and calcium handling, the role of calcium-dependent afterdepolarizations and atrial repolarization alternans in triggering AF will be considered. The atrial response to rapid stimulation will be discussed, including the short-term protection from calcium overload in the form of calcium signaling silencing and the eventual progression to diastolic calcium leak causing afterdepolarizations and the development of an electrical substrate that perpetuates AF. The role of calcium in the bidirectional relationship between heart failure and AF will then be covered. The effects of heart failure on atrial calcium handling that promote AF will be reviewed, including effects on both atrial myocytes and the pulmonary veins, before the aspects of AF which exacerbate heart failure are discussed. Finally, the limitations of human and animal studies will be explored allowing contextualization of what are sometimes discordant results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan C. Denham
- Unit of Cardiac Physiology, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Katharine M. Dibb
- Unit of Cardiac Physiology, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Hwang M, Lim B, Song JS, Yu HT, Ryu AJ, Lee YS, Joung B, Shim EB, Pak HN. Ganglionated plexi stimulation induces pulmonary vein triggers and promotes atrial arrhythmogenecity: In silico modeling study. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172931. [PMID: 28245283 PMCID: PMC5330515 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) on atrial fibrillation (AF) is difficult to demonstrate in the intact human left atrium (LA) due to technical limitations of the current electrophysiological mapping technique. We examined the effects of the ANS on the initiation and maintenance of AF by employing a realistic in silico human left atrium (LA) model integrated with a model of ganglionated plexi (GPs). METHODS We incorporated the morphology of the GP and parasympathetic nerves in a three-dimensional (3D) realistic LA model. For the model of ionic currents, we used a human atrial model. GPs were stimulated by increasing the IK[ACh], and sympathetic nerve stimulation was conducted through a homogeneous increase in the ICa-L. ANS-induced wave-dynamics changes were evaluated in a model that integrated a patient's LA geometry, and we repeated simulation studies using LA geometries from 10 different patients. RESULTS The two-dimensional model of pulmonary vein (PV) cells exhibited late phase 3 early afterdepolarization-like activity under 0.05μM acetylcholine (ACh) stimulation. In the 3D simulation model, PV tachycardia was induced, which degenerated to AF via GP (0.05μM ACh) and sympathetic (7.0×ICa-L) stimulations. Under sustained AF, local reentries were observed at the LA-PV junction. We also observed that GP stimulation reduced the complex fractionated atrial electrogram (CFAE)-cycle length (CL, p<0.01) and the life span of phase singularities (p<0.01). GP stimulation also increased the overlap area of the GP and CFAE areas (CFAE-CL≤120ms, p<0.01). When 3 patterns of virtual ablations were applied to the 3D AF models, circumferential PV isolation including the GP was the most effective in terminating AF. CONCLUSION Cardiac ANS stimulations demonstrated triggered activity, automaticity, and local reentries at the LA-PV junction, as well as co-localized GP and CFAE areas in the 3D in silico GP model of the LA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minki Hwang
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byounghyun Lim
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Seop Song
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Tae Yu
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Jin Ryu
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Seon Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boyoung Joung
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Bo Shim
- Department of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Kangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui-Nam Pak
- Division of Cardiology, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Pandit SV, Workman AJ. Atrial Electrophysiological Remodeling and Fibrillation in Heart Failure. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-CARDIOLOGY 2016; 10:41-46. [PMID: 27812293 PMCID: PMC5089851 DOI: 10.4137/cmc.s39713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) causes complex, chronic changes in atrial structure and function, which can cause substantial electrophysiological remodeling and predispose the individual to atrial fibrillation (AF). Pharmacological treatments for preventing AF in patients with HF are limited. Improved understanding of the atrial electrical and ionic/molecular mechanisms that promote AF in these patients could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets. Animal models of HF have identified numerous changes in atrial ion currents, intracellular calcium handling, action potential waveform and conduction, as well as expression and signaling of associated proteins. These studies have shown that the pattern of electrophysiological remodeling likely depends on the duration of HF, the underlying cardiac pathology, and the species studied. In atrial myocytes and tissues obtained from patients with HF or left ventricular systolic dysfunction, the data on changes in ion currents and action potentials are largely equivocal, probably owing mainly to difficulties in controlling for the confounding influences of multiple variables, such as patient’s age, sex, disease history, and drug treatments, as well as the technical challenges in obtaining such data. In this review, we provide a summary and comparison of the main animal and human electrophysiological studies to date, with the aim of highlighting the consistencies in some of the remodeling patterns, as well as identifying areas of contention and gaps in the knowledge, which warrant further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep V Pandit
- Department of Internal Medicine - Cardiology, Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Antony J Workman
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Grandi E, Workman AJ, Pandit SV. Altered Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Human Chronic Atrial Fibrillation. J Atr Fibrillation 2012; 4:495. [PMID: 28496736 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2011] [Revised: 02/10/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the (mal)adaptive processes in atrial excitation-contraction coupling occurring in patients with chronic atrial fibrillation. Cellular remodeling includes shortening of the atrial action potential duration and effective refractory period, depressed intracellular Ca2+ transient, and reduced myocyte contractility. Here we summarize the current knowledge of the ionic bases underlying these changes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of excitation-contraction-coupling remodeling in the fibrillating human atria is important to identify new potential targets for AF therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Grandi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Antony J Workman
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK
| | - Sandeep V Pandit
- Center for Arrhythmia Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Schotten U, Verheule S, Kirchhof P, Goette A. Pathophysiological mechanisms of atrial fibrillation: a translational appraisal. Physiol Rev 2011; 91:265-325. [PMID: 21248168 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 863] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is an arrhythmia that can occur as the result of numerous different pathophysiological processes in the atria. Some aspects of the morphological and electrophysiological alterations promoting AF have been studied extensively in animal models. Atrial tachycardia or AF itself shortens atrial refractoriness and causes loss of atrial contractility. Aging, neurohumoral activation, and chronic atrial stretch due to structural heart disease activate a variety of signaling pathways leading to histological changes in the atria including myocyte hypertrophy, fibroblast proliferation, and complex alterations of the extracellular matrix including tissue fibrosis. These changes in electrical, contractile, and structural properties of the atria have been called "atrial remodeling." The resulting electrophysiological substrate is characterized by shortening of atrial refractoriness and reentrant wavelength or by local conduction heterogeneities caused by disruption of electrical interconnections between muscle bundles. Under these conditions, ectopic activity originating from the pulmonary veins or other sites is more likely to occur and to trigger longer episodes of AF. Many of these alterations also occur in patients with or at risk for AF, although the direct demonstration of these mechanisms is sometimes challenging. The diversity of etiological factors and electrophysiological mechanisms promoting AF in humans hampers the development of more effective therapy of AF. This review aims to give a translational overview on the biological basis of atrial remodeling and the proarrhythmic mechanisms involved in the fibrillation process. We pay attention to translation of pathophysiological insights gained from in vitro experiments and animal models to patients. Also, suggestions for future research objectives and therapeutical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Schotten
- Department of Physiology, University Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Al Ghamdi B, Hassan W. Atrial Remodeling And Atrial Fibrillation: Mechanistic Interactions And Clinical Implications. J Atr Fibrillation 2009; 2:125. [PMID: 28496625 DOI: 10.4022/jafib.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2008] [Revised: 12/19/2008] [Accepted: 04/14/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in clinical practice. The prevalence of AF increases dramatically with age and is seen in as high as 9% of individuals by the age of 80 years. In high-risk patients, the thromboembolic stroke risk can be as high as 9% per year and is associated with a 2-fold increase in mortality. Although the pathophysiological mechanism underlying the genesis of AF has been the focus of many studies, it remains only partially understood. Conventional theories focused on the presence of multiple re-entrant circuits originating in the atria that are asynchronous and conducted at various velocities through tissues with various refractory periods. Recently, rapidly firing atrial activity in the muscular sleeves at the pulmonary veins ostia or inside the pulmonary veins have been described as potential mechanism,. AF results from a complex interaction between various initiating triggers and development of abnormal atrial tissue substrate. The development of AF leads to structural and electrical changes in the atria, a process known as remodeling. To have effective surgical or catheter ablation of AF good understanding of the possible mechanism(s) is crucial.Once initiated, AF alters atrial electrical and structural properties that promote its maintenance and recurrence. The role of atrial remodeling (AR) in the development and maintenance of AF has been the subject of many animal and human studies over the past 10-15 years. This review will discuss the mechanisms of AR, the structural, electrophysiologic, and neurohormonal changes associated with AR and it is role in initiating and maintaining AF. We will also discuss briefly the role of inflammation in AR and AF initiation and maintenance, as well as, the possible therapeutic interventions to prevent AR, and hence AF, based on the current understanding of the interaction between AF and AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bandar Al Ghamdi
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and research centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walid Hassan
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and research centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Workman AJ, Pau D, Redpath CJ, Marshall GE, Russell JA, Norrie J, Kane KA, Rankin AC. Atrial cellular electrophysiological changes in patients with ventricular dysfunction may predispose to AF. Heart Rhythm 2008; 6:445-51. [PMID: 19324301 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2008.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2008] [Accepted: 12/23/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF), but the atrial cellular electrophysiological mechanisms in humans are unclear. OBJECTIVE This study sought to investigate whether LVSD in patients who are in sinus rhythm (SR) is associated with atrial cellular electrophysiological changes that could predispose to AF. METHODS Right atrial myocytes were obtained from 214 consenting patients in SR who were undergoing cardiac surgery. Action potentials or ion currents were measured using the whole-cell-patch clamp technique. RESULTS The presence of moderate or severe LVSD was associated with a shortened atrial cellular effective refractory period (ERP) (209 +/- 8 ms; 52 cells, 18 patients vs 233 +/- 7 ms; 134 cells, 49 patients; P <0.05); confirmed by multiple linear regression analysis. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was markedly lower in patients with moderate or severe LVSD (36% +/- 4%, n = 15) than in those without LVSD (62% +/- 2%, n = 31; P <0.05). In cells from patients with LVEF <or= 45%, the ERP and action potential duration at 90% repolarization were shorter than in those from patients with LVEF > 45%, by 24% and 18%, respectively. The LVEF and ERP were positively correlated (r = 0.65, P <0.05). The L-type calcium ion current, inward rectifier potassium ion current, and sustained outward ion current were unaffected by LVSD. The transient outward potassium ion current was decreased by 34%, with a positive shift in its activation voltage, and no change in its decay kinetics. CONCLUSION LVSD in patients in SR is independently associated with a shortening of the atrial cellular ERP, which may be expected to contribute to a predisposition to AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony J Workman
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Division of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, UK.
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Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) causes substantial morbidity and mortality. It may be triggered and sustained by either reentrant or nonreentrant electrical activity. Human atrial cellular refractory period is shortened in chronic AF, likely aiding reentry. The ionic and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood and may include increased inward rectifier K(+) current and altered Ca(2+) handling. Heart failure, a major cause of AF, may involve arrhythmogenic atrial electrical remodeling, but the pattern is unclear in humans. Beta-blocker therapy prolongs atrial cell refractory period; a potentially antiarrhythmic influence, but the ionic and molecular mechanisms are unclear. The search for drugs to suppress AF without causing ventricular arrhythmias has been aided by basic studies of cellular mechanisms of AF. It remains to be seen whether such drugs will improve patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony J Workman
- British Heart Foundation Glasgow Cardiovascular Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
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Schoonderwoerd BA, Van Gelder IC, Van Veldhuisen DJ, Van den Berg MP, Crijns HJGM. Electrical and Structural Remodeling: Role in the Genesis and Maintenance of Atrial Fibrillation. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2005; 48:153-68. [PMID: 16271942 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2005.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) and congestive heart failure (CHF) are 2 frequently encountered conditions in clinical practice. Both lead to changes in atrial function and structure, an array of processes known as atrial remodeling. This review provides an overview of ionic, electrical, contractile, neurohumoral, and structural atrial changes responsible for initiation and maintenance of AF. In the last decade, many studies have evaluated atrial remodeling due to AF or CHF. Both conditions often coexist, which makes it difficult to distinguish the contribution of each. Because of atrial stretch in the setting of hypertension or CHF, atrial remodeling frequently occurs long before AF arises. Alternatively, AF may lead to electrical remodeling, that is, shortening of refractoriness due to the high atrial rate itself. In many experimental AF or rapid atrial pacing studies, the ventricular rate was uncontrolled. In those studies, atrial stretch due to CHF may have interfered with the high atrial rate to produce a mixed type of electrical and structural remodeling. Other studies have dissected the individual role of AF or atrial tachycardia from the role CHF plays in atrial remodeling. Atrial fibrillation itself does not lead to structural remodeling, whereas this is frequently produced by hypertension or CHF, even in the absence of AF. Primary and secondary prevention programs should tailor treatment to the various types of remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bas A Schoonderwoerd
- Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Tsai CS, Cheng TH, Lin CI, Chen JJ, Lee FY, Li CY, Hong HJ, Loh SH. Inhibitory effect of endothelin-1 on the isoproterenol-induced chloride current in human cardiac myocytes. Eur J Pharmacol 2001; 424:97-105. [PMID: 11476755 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(01)01145-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
It is still controversial whether the cAMP-activated Cl(-) current (I(Cl,cAMP)) is expressed in human cardiomyocytes. The whole-cell configuration of the voltage-clamp technique was used to examine in detail the I(Cl,cAMP) in single human atrial and ventricular myocytes. Human cardiomyocytes were enzymatically isolated from atrial or ventricular specimens obtained from open-heart surgery or cardiac transplantation, respectively. Isoproterenol (1 microM) or forskolin (10 microM) was used to activate the cAMP second-messenger system. The isoproterenol- or forskolin-induced Cl(-) current was elicited in 12 of 54 atrial myocytes but was completely absent from ventricular myocytes. The isoproterenol-induced Cl(-) current in atrial myocytes was time-independent and had a reversal potential close to zero. Endothelin-1 (30 nM) inhibited the isoproterenol-induced Cl(-) current by 75+/-6% (n=4). This inhibitory effect of endothelin-1 was attenuated by pretreating atrial myocytes with the endothelin ET(A) receptor antagonist, BQ485, but not with the ET(B) receptor antagonist, BQ-788. The results provide evidence that the I(Cl,cAMP) exists in human atria, but not ventricle, and is inhibited by endothelin-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Tsai
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Less H, Shilkrut M, Rubinstein I, Berke G, Binah O. Cardiac dysfunction in murine autoimmune myocarditis. J Autoimmun 1999; 12:209-20. [PMID: 10222030 DOI: 10.1006/jaut.1998.0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We have investigated the pathophysiological basis of cardiac dysfunction in autoimmune myocarditis and in the resulting dilated cardiomyopathy. To this end we utilized the myosin-induced autoimmune myocarditis model in BALB/c mice. Myocarditis has been found to be associated with massive ventricular lymphocyte infiltration and a 50% reduction in tail artery blood flow, reflecting the depressed cardiac function in myocarditis. Action potential characteristics of control and diseased isolated ventricular myocytes were (mean+/-SEM): resting potential: -68.1+/-1. 1,-68.3+/-0.7 mV; action potential amplitude: 96.5+/-10.4, 92.3+/-4. 4 mV; action potential duration at 80% repolarization (APD80) 38+/-5, 116+/-24* ms; * P<0.05. We utilized the whole cell voltage clamp technique to explore ion currents involved in APD prolongation and arrhythmogenic activity, and found that in diseased myocytes the transient outward current (Ito) was markedly attenuated. At a membrane potential of +40 mV, in control and in diseased myocytes, I(to) current density was 14.7+/-1.5 and 6.5+/-1.4 pA/pF, respectively, P<0.005. In contrast, the L-type Ca2+current (ICa,L) remained unchanged. To further explore the basis for cardiac impairment, we simultaneously measured [Ca2+]i transient and contraction in isolated normal and diseased myocytes. The major findings indicated that both the relaxation kinetics of [Ca2+]i transients and myocyte contraction were significantly faster in the diseased myocytes. In conclusion, substantial, potentially reversible, electrophysiological and mechanical perturbations in ventricular myocytes from mice with myosin-induced autoimmune myocarditis appear to contribute to disease-related cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Less
- Rappaport Family Institute for Research in the Medical Sciences, Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, The Bernard Katz Minerva Center for Cell Biophysics, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 31096, Israel
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